Found objects, reborn, escape their weighted pasts
By Judy Birke
Guilford-Fragments of this, Morsels of that: All sorts of discartded objects that have been removed from their original contexts take on new biographies in the Guilford Arts Center’s “ Found Object Art 2003” The process of transformation is the theme of the exhibition, in which the layered memories and associat -iones of an objects former existttence are newly inter -grated into a relm of fresh experience and perception. Each of the shows approximately 45 artists finds meaning in the mundane. The participants use a great variety of materials, both natural and man-made, to add ress numerious issueses, narrative considerations of
ART REVIEW
the human experience to formal investigations of the elements of design.
Some of the 64 works are big, bold and direct, others small, subtle and enigmatic; some are serious, others playful; some are literal, others ephemeral. The common element is each artist’s connection with the essence of his or her materials, and the achievement of new realities.
Many of the artists create biographical portraits, both literally and figuratively.These narratives refer to the artists’ own histories or pay homage to the lives of others. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .
See Objects, Page E7
Objects: Items, discarded, are reborn to new lives
Continued from page E1
Harvee Riggs, achieves a beautiful balance between subject and material. His mixed-media assemblage,“Ascension,” is a fine interplay of mystical narrative and everyday objects...... ....................................................
A number of artists, Riggs included offer playful salutes to nostalgia-and including moments of yesteryear. Riggs’ Bingo Box” is an irreverent, pinball-machine-lik construction, agog with all kinds of kitschy memorabilia, including toy-head likenesses of former presidents Ronald Regan and George Bush and former presidential candidate Michael Dukakis...........................................
